Question a Small Frame Colt Lightening

[J. L. Lyon]

I just acquired a small frame Colt Lightening rifle in 22 caliber in the 4700 serial number range. I would rate the finish at 90%. It has the original Colt butt plate and the Colt logo cut into the left side of the receiver. I think it was a bargain at $950.

My question - what type of 22 cartridge does this rifle fire? Short, Long, or Long Rifle. The marking on the barrel just says "22 Cal"

[Mike Armstrong]

If a .22 Long will chamber freely and feed thru the magazine, that's what it was chambered for. I don't believe that any were chambered for .22 LR (working on memory here, so willing to be corrected). If the Long won't function, it's a Short.

[smkummer]

I have one and it shoots 22 short and long. CCI is the only maker of full power 22 long and I have fired lots of this ammo with no problems. It is hard to find. I shoot much CB longs out of mine and also the colibri 22 ammo. Shorts work fine also.

[mjohno]

I just acquired a small frame Colt Lightening rifle in 22 caliber in the 4700 serial number range. I would rate the finish at 90%. It has the original Colt butt plate and the Colt logo cut into the left side of the receiver. I think it was a bargain at $950.

My question - what type of 22 cartridge does this rifle fire? Short, Long, or Long Rifle. The marking on the barrel just says "22 Cal"

As already mentioned your lightning is chambered for short and long cartridges only. Serial number dates it to 1888.